Elevated walkway system and method

ABSTRACT

A walkway system includes brackets that are connectable to vertical frame members and supportable by horizontal frame members. Walkway support members include lips that engage with the brackets, horizontally-oriented portions that support a walkway member, and vertically-oriented portions that contact the building to stabilize the walkway member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/906,491, filed Sep. 26, 2019, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems for supporting workers and tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During construction of buildings, workers often must reach elevated sections of the building under construction. Typically, a ladder is used to access elevated sections. However, ladders are often unstable and provide access to only a narrow portion of the building. A scaffold may also be employed. However, scaffolds require that the ground upon which they rest to be substantially level.

SUMMARY

A walkway system includes a building including a frame having a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members supported above the ground by the vertical members. As used herein, a “building” may include a completed building or a building under construction and not yet completed. A first bracket defines a first generally U-shaped cavity and is supported by one of the horizontal members. A second bracket defines a second generally U-shaped cavity and is supported by one of the horizontal members. One of the vertical members extends through the first generally U-shaped cavity and another of the vertical members extends through the second generally U-shaped cavity.

A first walkway support member has a first vertical lip that extends into the first generally U-shaped cavity, a first horizontal portion that is operatively connected to the first vertical lip, and a first vertical portion that is operatively connected to the first vertical lip. A second walkway support member has a second vertical lip that extends into the second generally U-shaped cavity, a second horizontal portion that is operatively connected to the second vertical lip, and a second vertical portion that is operatively connected to the second vertical lip. A walkway member is supported by the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion.

A corresponding method is also provided.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a building frame and roof, and a support assembly for an elevated walkway operatively connected to the frame;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional, side view of the support assembly of FIG. 1 operatively connected to the frame;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective, exploded view of the support assembly;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of the support assembly;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, front view of an elevated walkway assembly having two support members; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of yet another alternative support assembly operatively for use with the walkway assembly connected to a building frame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a support assembly 10 for an elevated, hanging walkway is schematically depicted. The support assembly 10 is configured for attachment to a building 14, such as the house under construction, undergoing maintenance, or being renovated as shown in FIG. 1. The building 14 includes a frame 18, at least part of which is exposed during the construction. The frame 18 includes a plurality of vertical members 22, sometimes referred to as “posts.” The frame 18 also includes a plurality of horizontal members 26 that are attached to the vertical members 22. The vertical members 22 support the horizontal members 26 at various heights above the ground. Horizontal members 26 may include, but are not limited to, purlins, ledger boards, joists, etc. At least some of the vertical members 22 support a roof structure 30.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the support assembly 10 is shown operatively engaged with the frame 18 such that the frame 18 supports the support assembly 10 above the ground. FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1 and 2, schematically depict the support assembly 10. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the support assembly 10 includes a generally U-shaped bracket 34. More specifically, the bracket 34 includes two substantially parallel segments 38A, 38B that are interconnected by another segment 38C that extends between, and perpendicular to, segments 38A, 38B. Segments 38A, 38B, 38C cooperate to define a cavity 42. Segment 38A defines two holes 46 and segment 38B defines two holes 48.

In use, the bracket 34 is engaged with one of the vertical members 22. More specifically, the bracket 34 is positioned such that one of the vertical members 22 extends between segments 38A, 38B and through the cavity 42. The bracket 34 is secured to the vertical member 22 by two pins 52. Each of the pins 52 extends through a respective one of holes 46 and holes 48. Accordingly, the vertical member 22 is also between the pins and segment 38C; thus, horizontal movement of the bracket 34 is prevented or restricted in all directions by physical part interference between the vertical member 22 and segments 38A, 38B, 38C and the pins 52.

Vertical movement of the bracket 34, and, correspondingly, the remainder of the support assembly 10, is restricted by interaction between the bracket 34 and one of the horizontal members 26. More specifically, the bracket 34 rests on one of the horizontal members 26, which thereby supports and maintains the support assembly 10 at a predetermined height above the ground.

The support assembly 10 also includes support member 54 having a first portion 56, a second portion 60, and a bracket 64 defining a lip 66. The second portion 60 is operatively connected to, and substantially perpendicular to, the first portion 56. In the embodiment depicted, the support member 54 is comprised of multiple pieces, each forming a respective one of the portions 56, 60 and the bracket 64, and mounted to each other such as by welding. However, and within the scope of the claimed invention, a support member 10 may be formed of one or more pieces.

The support member 54 is attached to the bracket 34 by inserting the lip 66 into the cavity 42 such that the lip 66 is parallel to, and contacts, segment 38C and the horizontal portion of the bracket 64 rests on top of segment 38C. When the lip 66 is in the cavity 42 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the second portion 60 extends vertically and rests against, or abuts, a portion of the building 14, such as another horizontal member 26 or the vertical member 22, and the first portion 56 extends horizontally and outwardly from the building 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, a walkway, such as planking 68, rests atop the first portion 56. Planking 68 defines a substantially planar surface 72 that is upwardly facing when in use as shown. A worker (not shown) may stand or walk on surface 72 while working on the building 14. The weight of the worker causes a force F1 to be exerted on the surface 72. The force F1 is transmitted by the planking 68 to the first portion 56 of the support assembly 10. One end 76 of the first portion 56 is connected to the bracket 34; however, the other end 80 of the first portion 56 is unsupported. Accordingly, the force F1 induces a moment M1 in the support assembly 10. Moment M1 urges the support assembly 10 to rotate about a horizontal axis (clockwise as viewed in FIG. 2).

The function of the second portion 60 is to counteract the moment M1 and thereby stabilize the support assembly 10. More specifically, the moment M1 causes the second portion 60 to exert a horizontal force F2 on the frame 18, and more specifically, on one of the horizontal members 26. The horizontal member 26 exerts a horizontal reaction force F3 on the second portion 60, thereby keeping the support assembly 10 stationary.

In the embodiment depicted, a diagonal cross-member 84 interconnects the first and second portions 56, 60 to provide structural rigidity to the support assembly 10. Members 88, 92 are mounted to the first portion 56. Each of members 88, 92 defines a respective upwardly-open cavity for receiving a rail support member 100. Member 92 is attached to the first portion 56 near end 80, and member 88 is attached approximately midway between the bracket 34 and the end 80, thereby enabling different mounting points for the rail support member 100.

As shown in the Figures, rail support member 100 is inserted into the cavity of member 92 and extends upward therefrom. L-shaped brackets 104 are mounted to the rail support member 100 for retaining railings 108 in a horizontal orientation. Railings 108 aid in preventing a worker on the planking 68 from falling. The rail support member 100 may be two or more pieces connected together, as shown in the Figures. A bracket 112 or other attachment device may be used to secure the rail support member 100 to the roof structure 30, such as at the fascia board as shown in FIG. 1, when the roof structure 30 protrudes outwardly with respect to the frame 18.

Referring to FIG. 5, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1-4, a walkway assembly 200 includes two support assemblies 10, each being mounted to a respective vertical member 22 via their corresponding brackets 34. Planking 68 extends across the respective first portions 56 of both assemblies 10, and railings 108 extend from brackets 104 of one assembly 10 to the brackets 104 of the other assembly 10.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts an alternative support assembly 210 for use with the walkway assembly in place of support assemblies 10. Referring to FIG. 6, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIGS. 1-5, the support assembly 210 is shown attached to a stud wall 130. The stud wall 130 includes a plurality of vertical members, i.e., studs 211. The support assembly 210 is identical to the support assemblies 10 except for the configuration of the bracket 234. The bracket 234 is configured to operatively connect to the frame and, more specifically, the studs 211. The support assembly 210 further includes a first portion 256 and a second potion 260 mounted with respect to the bracket 234. The first and second portions 256, 260 are similar in form and function to the first and second portions 56, 60, shown in the previous figures. A diagonal member 88 interconnects the first and second portions 256, 260.

The bracket 234 contacts three of the studs 211 and defines three holes 300. The support assembly 210 is positioned such that each of the holes 300 aligns with a respective one of the studs 211. Structural screws 310 are then inserted through each of the holes 300 to engage a respective stud 211 and attached the bracket 234 to the studs 211. In the embodiment shown, the holes 300 are aligned with the two outer studs 211, and the second portion 260 is aligned with the center stud 211. The second portion 260 may also includes holes 300 through which structural screws 310 are inserted to engage the center stud 211.

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A walkway system comprising: a building including a frame having a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members supported above the ground by the vertical members; a first bracket defining a first generally U-shaped cavity and being supported by one of the horizontal members; a second bracket defining a second generally U-shaped cavity and being supported by one of the horizontal members; said first and second brackets being positioned with respect to the building frame such that one of the vertical members extends through the first generally U-shaped cavity and another of the vertical members extends through the second generally U-shaped cavity; a first walkway support member having a first vertical lip that extends into the first generally U-shaped cavity, a first horizontal portion that is operatively connected to the first vertical lip, and a first vertical portion that is operatively connected to the first vertical lip; a second walkway support member having a second vertical lip that extends into the second generally U-shaped cavity, a second horizontal portion that is operatively connected to the second vertical lip, and a second vertical portion that is operatively connected to the second vertical lip; and a walkway member supported by the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion.
 2. The walkway system of claim 1, wherein the first and second vertical portions contact the building.
 3. The walkway system of claim 2, further comprising a first railing support member extending upward from the first horizontal portion; a second railing support member extending upward from the second horizontal portion; and at least one railing mounted operatively connected to, and extending between, the first and second railing support members.
 4. The walkway system of claim 3, wherein the building includes a roof structure supported by the vertical members; and wherein said first and second rail support members extend higher than at least a portion of the roof structure.
 5. The walkway system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pins that cooperate with the brackets to retain the vertical members in the cavities.
 6. A method for use with a building having a frame including first and second vertical members and at least one horizontal member supported by the vertical members, the method comprising: possessing a bracket having first, second, and third segments; said first and second segments being parallel to one another; said third segment interconnecting said first and second segments, said first and second segments defining a plurality of holes; said first, second, and third segments defining a generally U-shaped cavity; positioning the bracket with respect to the building such that the first vertical member extends through the cavity and the bracket is supported by said at least one horizontal member; extending at least one pin through the holes on the first and second segments; possessing a walkway support member having a lip, a first portion and a second portion; and inserting the lip into the cavity of the first bracket such that the first portion extends substantially horizontally and the second portion extends substantially vertically and contacts the building.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising placing a walkway member on the first portion of the walkway support member.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the support member defines an upwardly-open cavity; and wherein the method further includes inserting a railing support member into the upwardly-open cavity.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising operatively connecting horizontal railings to the railing support member. 